Pure Recovery Lab›Infrared Sauna Guides›Electricity Calculator

Infrared Sauna Electricity Cost Calculator

Enter your sauna's wattage, session details, and local electricity rate to see real running costs — with an honest range, not a single misleading number.

1
Sauna details
⚡ Requires dedicated 20A circuit
Rated wattage: 1,750W
Voltage
2
Usage pattern
Session length (incl. preheat)45 min
Sessions per week3×
Electricity rate ($/kWh)$0.16/kWh
3
Estimated running costs
Per session
$0.14 – $0.19
0.85–1.18 kWh
Per month
$1.77 – $2.46
~13 sessions
Per year
$21 – $29
156 sessions
⚡
Circuit requirement
20A dedicated circuit — NEMA 5-20R (120V)
14.6A draw
÷0.8 NEC → 20A
Why a range?
Low estimate — indoor climate-controlled room (65–75°F / 18–24°C), well-sealed cabin
$0.14/session
$21/yr
High estimate — unheated garage or basement, cold ambient temperature
$0.19/session
$29/yr

Infrared sauna heaters cycle on and off after reaching target temperature — like a home thermostat. How hard the heater works depends on ambient temperature, cabin insulation, and door seal quality. Most users in typical indoor conditions (18–24°C / 65–75°F) fall in the lower half of this range.

≈ same as running a hair dryer for ~28 min per session

Frequently asked questions

How much electricity does an infrared sauna use per session?
A typical 1,750W infrared sauna running for 45 minutes uses approximately 0.85–1.18 kWh per session. At the US average electricity rate of $0.16/kWh, that's roughly $0.14–$0.19 per session — less than most people expect.
Why show a range instead of an exact number?
Infrared heaters cycle on and off after reaching target temperature — similar to a home thermostat. Actual power draw depends on room temperature, cabin insulation, and door seal quality. A sauna in a cold garage (below 10°C / 50°F) runs near-full power continuously; the same sauna in a warm indoor room (18–24°C / 65–75°F) cycles frequently and uses significantly less electricity.
Do I need a dedicated circuit?
Yes. Per the NEC 80% continuous load rule, a circuit should not exceed 80% of its rated capacity. A 1,750W sauna on 120V draws 14.6A — requiring a dedicated 20A circuit. Running a sauna on a shared circuit causes slow heating and is a safety risk.
Is 120V or 240V more energy efficient?
The voltage doesn't change energy consumed — a 1,750W sauna uses 1,750W regardless of voltage. The difference is current draw: 240V halves the amperage, reducing wire heat loss and allowing larger saunas to run on smaller-gauge wiring.

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Estimates based on rated wattage and typical heater cycling (65–90% load factor). Actual costs vary by installation environment and usage habits. Circuit requirements follow NEC 80% continuous load rule.